Lightsource BP has successfully commenced operations at its Bellflower Solar project, situated approximately 40 miles east of Indianapolis in Henry and Rush Counties. As the developer, financier, owner, and operator of the project, Lightsource BP has also entered into a virtual Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Verizon to procure the generated energy.
Expected to have a significant positive impact on the environment, the solar farm will offset around 202,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This reduction in emissions will contribute to Verizon's objective of achieving carbon neutrality in its operations (scope 1 and 2) by 2035, while concurrently enhancing air quality.
See also: Lightsource bp Signs Major Deal with Siemens for 1GW Supply of Solar Inverters for US PV Projects
James Gowen, the Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Sourcing, and Chief Sustainability Officer at Verizon, expressed the company's commitment to environmental preservation and its support for renewable energy production. He affirmed that the Bellflower Solar project will play a crucial role in Verizon's pursuit of achieving net zero operational emissions by 2035.
Apart from its emission-reducing capabilities, the Bellflower solar farm brings several environmental advantages to Indiana. Lightsource BP has dedicated approximately 800 acres of land, both under and surrounding the solar panels, for the growth of vegetation comprising native species that are beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife. This land will be conserved for many years to come.
Additionally, the solar farm has set aside an additional 10 acres specifically for lush pollinator gardens, featuring over 60 different types of flowering plants. The site is also participating in a research study led by the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, the Argonne National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This research will assess the ecological benefits of incorporating pollinator habitats within utility-scale solar projects.
Notably, the land beneath and around the solar panels is also being used for agricultural production. A local beekeeper manages hives on the site, producing honey from the solar farm, while a farmer from Indiana grazes sheep to help maintain the vegetation.
Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of the Americas at Lightsource BP, emphasized the company's commitment to responsible solar development, highlighting the Bellflower project as a prime example. In addition to providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy, Lightsource BP strives to maximize the sustainable advantages of its solar projects for communities, while simultaneously protecting ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.
